We are now well into Spring, and it’s a great time to explore the opportunities to get out and about that are included in our October calendar!
With the new Aged Care Act commencing in November, we are focused on ensuring that we continue delivering quality services to all our clients. We have included a reminder about changes in the role of Representatives (people who assist you to deal with and make decisions about your services), to give you the chance to review your arrangements, before the end of October. Keep reading for details
There are also currently two important opportunities for you to provide feedback on the Aged Care services that you receive. There are:
The Australian National Audit Office review of the Commonwealth Home Support Program which is accepting contributions until 26 October; and
The Improving Aged Care in Australia Survey that is being conducted by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing which closes on 28 November I encourage you to provide your feedback, to help build a better the best Aged Care system. See more information and links to the survey below
Sadly, we farewelled Antonia and Josephine, who retired last week after many years of supporting clients of our shopping service. We will all miss them but wish them well in their retirement. Read full story below
In addition, we have also made changes to our phone system recently, to ensure you are able to leave important messages about any changes to your next day travel, outside our office hours. See more details below.
I hope you are getting the most out of spring this year!
Note: Service closure on 6 October 2025. Our service will be closed on Monday 6 October, the Labour Day Public Holiday. We will, of course, be supporting clients with essential medical transport. If you have any questions about the closure or how it may affect you, give us a call on 8241 8000.
Michelle Newman
CEO Access Sydney Community Transport Ltd.
Rhododendrons are on our October itinerary!
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Campbell Rhododendron Garden or Bilpin in the Blue Mountains, or closer to home, a trip to Cockatoo Island, or Wisemans Ferry. And there is a lot more in our October calendar – check it to see what’s on here
The Improving Aged Care in Australia Survey is open now.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing wants to hear from you, your family, and carers about the recent changes to aged care in Australia. This is your chance to share your opinions with the government. The short and anonymous is interested in:
What you think of the latest changes.
Where you get information about them.
How the changes are impacting you.
The survey closes on 28 November 2025. Click here to start the survey
The Audit Office wants your feedback about the Aged Care services you use like Community Transport
The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) is conducting an audit to assess the effectiveness of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). This program provides ‘entry level’ Aged Care support to help older people remain at home by assisting with everyday needs. The program provides funding support to Access Sydney’s services. The Audit Office will be examining:
- Does the Commonwealth Home Support Programme meet community need?
- Are Commonwealth Home Support Programme services delivered effectively?
- Is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme meeting its objectives?
ANAO audits are independent and objective assessments of the administration of the programs they review. There are more details about the audit, and information about making your contribution below.
In addition some of you will receive an email directly from the Audit Office to complete a survey of the effectiveness of CHSP services such as Community Transport.
The contributions closes on 26 October 2025. Click here to find out more
Farewell to Antonia and Josephine
Two of our longest serving staff, Antonia and Josephine, retired at the end of September. They commenced work with us in 1999 and 2003 respectively. Between them, these two long standing and much appreciated staff, supported clients for nearly 50 years!
Antonia and Josephine both supported clients on our group shopping program in the inner west, assisting them at the checkout, with their groceries and helping to carry their shopping from the bus to their home.
As our clients have told us, they cared for them, treated everyone with respect, and provided the assistance that made the difference to achieving everyday tasks.
Thank you Antonia and Josephine 💙
We have improved our outside office hours phone system
Last week we upgraded our phone system to ensure that you can leave messages after hours. Our office hours are 9am to 5pm, and you should call us during these hours to make your bookings and service enquiries. If, outside our business hours, you are ill or for some other reason cannot take a trip booked for the next day, please call us and leave a message. We will return your call as a priority and make any changes to your travel plans when the office opens.
Age Pension, your choices free webinar series
Services Australia invites you to join their live Financial Information Service 2-part webinar series to learn about how your Age Pension is affected by income and assets, the importance role of concession cards, and rules around claiming and gifting. This useful webinar can be accessed as
Part 1 is on Thursday 2 October at 11 am and will focus on the choices you have at Age Pension age, retirement income policy and concession cards.
Part 2 is on Thursday 16 October at 11 am AEDT and focus on income and assets tests, deeming and the Home Equity Access Scheme.
You can book your place here below.
Book live webinars click here
Changes to Aged Care set to commence on 1 November – Registered Supporters
As you know, changes to Aged Care are to be implemented on 1 November 2025 to ensure services focus on stronger participant rights, better services and improved regulation of providers.
The role of Representatives (people who support you in dealing with My Aged Care and service providers and making decisions) is also changing to better focus on the needs of the person being supported. All Representatives who are active in My Aged Care on 31 October will automatically become registered supporters on 1 November.
However, if you wish to change your arrangements, you should get in contact with MyAgedCare on 1800 200 422 before the end of the month. More details about these changes are here.
Upcoming changes to support roles and relationships | My Aged Care
